Momentum Could Propel UCLA into the Elite 8

UCLA is 17-9 ATS versus teams with a winning record this season so the Bruins are more than capable of covering the number in tonight’s game against Florida. UCLA also remains underrated as evidenced by the fact that the Bruins are 23-12 ATS this season, including 7-1 ATS in neutral court games, 14-7 ATS following a double-digit win, 18-9 ATS off a win and a perfect 7-0 ATS in all tournament games.

We typically like to favor teams with explosive offenses in postseason play, and that is precisely what we have with the Bruins tonight. UCLA is averaging 81.5 points per game (49.1% FG; 38.6% 3-PT) against teams that would combine to allow just 69.5 points per game. The Bruins are 12-6 SU and 12-6 ATS on the road this season where they are averaging 77.3 points per game (47.5% FG), while also averaging 78.8 points on 52.4% shooting from the field over their last five games.

Overall, UCLA is 12.0 points per game better than average offensively this season, which still gives Florida a nominal 1.9 points per game advantage at the offensive end of the floor. Specifically, Florida is allowing a mere 57.5 points per game to teams that would combine to average 71.4 points per game (39.8% FG). While Florida possesses an insignificant advantage offensively, the Bruins should have success shutting down a grossly overrated Gator attack.

Florida is averaging 70.4 points per game against teams that would combine to allow 67.7 points per game, thereby making the Gators just 2.7 points per game better than average offensively. Meanwhile, UCLA takes the floor with a surging defense that is allowing a mere 62.4 points over the last five games, including limiting foes to 40.2% shooting from the field. While UCLA maintains a nominal 0.2 points per game advantage defensively over the Gators’ attack, the current form of both teams is extremely important for tonight’s Elite 8 matchup.

Last Five Games:

UCLA: 62.4 points per game defensively (40.2% FG)

Florida: 63.4 points per game offensively (46.1% FG)

UCLA is quietly getting the job done as the Bruins are 5-0 SU and ATS over their last five games with convincing wins over Oregon (82-63), Stanford (84-59), Arizona (75-71), Tulsa (76-59) and Stephen F. Austin (77-60). The Bruins employ an eight-player rotation with an outstanding backcourt led by leading scorer Jordan Adams and first-team all-Pac 12 performer Kyle Anderson (14.7 points per game). It could be argued that UCLA is the second best team remaining in the NCAA tournament, and the Bruins should not be getting 4.5/5 points tonight. The experts at Pro Edge Sports recommend taking UCLA plus the points in tonight’s Sweet 16 contest.